First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
cataract
noun cat·a·ract \ˈka-tə-ˌrakt\
medical : a condition in which a part of your eye (called the lens) becomes cloudy and you cannot see well
: a large waterfall
Full Definition of CATARACT
1
[Middle English, from Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French catharacte, from Medieval Latin cataracta, from Latin, portcullis] : a clouding of the lens of the eye or of its surrounding transparent membrane that obstructs the passage of light
2
a obsolete : waterspout b : waterfall; especially : a large one over a precipice c : steep rapids in a river d : downpour, flood <cataracts of rain> <cataracts of information>
— cat·a·rac·tous \ˌka-tə-ˈrak-təs\ adjective
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Origin of CATARACT
Latin cataracta waterfall, portcullis, from Greek kataraktēs, from katarassein to dash down, from kata- + arassein to strike, dash
Other Geology Terms
Rhymes with CATARACT
CATARACT Defined for Kids
cataract
noun cat·a·ract \ˈka-tə-ˌrakt\
Definition of CATARACT for Kids
1
: a clouding of the lens of the eye or of the cover around the lens that blocks the passage of light
2
: a large waterfall
3
: a sudden rush or flow like a waterfall
Medical Dictionary
cataract
noun cat·a·ract \ˈkat-ə-ˌrakt\
Medical Definition of CATARACT
: a clouding of the lens of the eye or its surrounding transparent membrane that obstructs the passage of light
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